Recordings shed light on human error in Spanish crash
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on L’essentiel
Recordings released after two high-speed trains collided at Urda, Spain, strengthen the theory of human error in the accident that killed 68 people. The control centre had authorised the AVE train to resume its journey despite reported technical problems with the Iryo train, reports L’essentiel, citing La Vanguardia.
Recordings of exchanges between the drivers and the control centre indicate that a failure in the automatic safety system preceded the collision between an AVE train and an Iryo train on Wednesday 28 October near Urda, Spain. The control centre authorised the AVE driver to resume travelling at “normal” speed, while the Iryo was still stationary on the same track, according to conversations published by Spanish daily La Vanguardia.
The driver of Iryo train number 6076 had reported that she was unable to reset the LZB system, which is responsible in particular for transmitting speed limits and braking distances. A control officer then alerted a colleague after noticing that train 6076 was experiencing problems. The collision occurred at 8.53am, at more than 100 kilometres per hour according to initial estimates reported by La Vanguardia.
The Iryo driver, who was injured in the accident, was taken to hospital in Toledo. She has since testified to police and undergone alcohol and drug tests, according to L’essentiel. The AVE driver is missing.
The accident, which killed 68 people according to the toll given in the article, comes as Spain observes three days of national mourning until 31 October. It follows the rail collision that killed at least 68 people and the introduction of national mourning in Spain.
